Magnetic Chalkboard Clock

I have wanted this magnetic chalkboard clock by Pottery Barn for a long time but "I want" a lot of things. I can't justify spending that much money on a clock so I decided to make one of my own.

I started with a metal sign I picked up on clearance at Hobby Lobby. 

I gave it three or four coats of Rustoleum Chalk Paint. 

Then I "seasoned" the chalkboard by completely covering it with chalk. 

Note:  If you skip this step 

you run the risk of leaving an impression 

of the first message you write on your board. 

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At first I thought I would purchase a clock kit and just draw the numbers on with chalk. Fun...right? I experimented with several different lengths and styles of clock hands but it wasn't what I wanted. The piece needed more depth/dimension. I considered adding a piece of metal or wood on front, but couldn't seem to ever find exactly what I wanted. Eventually I decided to scrap the whole kit idea and just add a clock to chalkboard. 

I looked at Walmart for a clock. 

I looked at Target. 

I looked at Hobby Lobby, Menards, the Goodwill, antique stores, and online. 

You'll never guess where I finally found the perfect clock?  

In our barn!!! 

I went down there to ask my husband a question the other night and ALLELIUA...I saw it!!! Don was so dumb-founded that I wanted it he didn't put up much of a fight. Just said, "You're taking my clock? Seriously?".

Here's a pic of the final product:

What'cha think?

I love it!

I love its grand size!
The clock is about 30 inches in diameter.

I love it's purpose!

(I'm rarely on time and definitely a list girl.)

But most of all...

I love the modern and whimsical element

the clock adds to our otherwise traditional sunroom!

Yeah!

As always thanks for taking the time to read 13CCF. I hope you've found some inspiration to get creative. This was an easy, inexpensive project, that will make a big statement in any space.

~Wendy

FOR SALE: Rolltop Desk in ASCP Aubusson Blue

A very generous soul contacted me this winter and asked if I would like to have her rolltop desk. It had worn out its welcome at her house and she thought I may be able to use it on my blog. How nice is that?!?! Thank you, Amanda!

Here is a before picture of the desk: 

 Nothing special, right?

The desk is NOT an antique. The drawers are made of wood and the structure is made of pressed wood with a dark foil finish. I knew Annie Sloan Chalk Paint would adhere to almost anything so I decided to give it a chance. I debated on the color for a long time and then opted to go with Aubusson Blue. It's not too dark, not too blue, not too teal, not too...much.

Here's the final product:

 Well, what'cha think?

 

I know...right!

 

I was thrilled with the way it turned out!

The desk is approximately 22" D x 46" W x 41" H.

It has three smaller drawers, four regular drawers, 

and one large double drawer deep enough to hold files.

It has also has one large cubby...

and four smaller cubbies for additional storage.

Most importantly...all of the drawers slide like butter! 

And yes, the rolltop works great, too;)

I spruced up the existing upper knobs with Rub n Buff and 

replaced the handles on the lower drawers with cup pulls. 

The brassy patina is the perfect contrast to the Aubusson Blue.

Let  me know if you are interested in purchasing the desk.

I am asking $165 for the piece. SOLD!

 I have cross listed it on several online garage sale sites as well.

As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading 13 County Custom Finishes.

~Wendy

Blonde Hutch Makeover

A brunette goes into the doctor's office and says her body hurts whenever she touches it.

"Impossible," says the doctor. "Show me."

She takes her finger and pushes on her elbow and screams in agony. She pushes on her knee and screams. She touches her ankle and screams.

The doctor says, "You're not really a brunette are you?"

The girl says, "No, I'm a blonde."

"I thought so, he says shaking his head. "Your finger is broken."

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Sorry!!! I'm really NOT into blonde jokes. I Promise! I just thought it might be fitting for this weeks makeover of a blonde mid century hutch.

Here's a pic of the original piece:

Look familiar?

This style was pretty popular in the 60s.

 

The hutch was being used to store tractors and toys in a little boy's bedroom. Before the owner dropped the it off I encouraged her to look online for an inspiration piece. She did her homework and found an aged Coco and Louis Blue cabinet that she loved.

ASCP Coco is a creamy milk chocolate hue that becomes deeper with dark wax. Louis Blue is more of an ocean blue in my opinion. We purchased a quart of Coco and decided to create a custom 'Louis Blue' color using some of the Annie Sloan chalk paints I had on hand.

Guess what? The custom blue was great but the Coco wasn't dark enough. It just wasn't. So I had to start over....Que Sera Sera! The owner decided she would try the Graphite instead.

Here's my second attempt:

What'cha think?

 It's amazing how a little chalk paint and wax can transform a piece of furniture.

The owner wanted a rustic patina to go with her son's camo bedroom. 

I couldn't sand the piece so I decided to let the Coco show throw in some areas.

 I used dark wax over the faux Louis Blue to give it more depth.

I think the hutch will work great in a boy's room.

Don't you?

The owner was content using the original hardware. 

I simply shined them up with some Silver Rub'n Buff and called it good.

I've never painted a piece of laminate blonde furniture before 

and

learned a lot in the process.

First, it simply takes more paint to cover lighter woods/finishes. 

I used about 3/4 quart of Coco on my first attempt

which is quite a bit considering the expected coverage of ASCP. 

Secondly, being able to distress/sand the furniture (even a little bit) 

can be a key factor when customizing a piece of waxed furniture. 

I couldn't do that with the blonde finish:( 

 It's a good thing the Coco was underneath!

Finally, I learned I can mix custom colors using the paints I have in stock!

As always thanks for reading 13CCF. I hope to have a roll top desk finished and ready to sell by next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me…

~Wendy

FOR SALE: Antique Oak Buffet

I'm in the process of updating our sunroom and 

have decided to sell this antique oak buffet to make room for another piece.   

 The buffet has an attached beveled mirror 

and was newly refinished when I purchased it at an antique store about 10 years ago.

I debated painting it 

(and would be willing to do that for the new owner if that is their preference).

The finish is lovely, minus a few normal surface marks/scratches,

so I've decided to simply sell it as is.

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing it  

or 

 having it redone in one of Annie Sloan's chalk paint colors.

I'm asking $325 as is 

and 

$395 with a custom paint job.

The buffet offers plenty of extra storage.

Who can't use extra storage???

The back is a true testament to its age and quality.

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing the buffet.

  The piece will also be cross posted on several online garage sale sites. 

~Wendy